Optimist International clubs and their members have a long and remarkable history as champions of youth causes and organizations in their communities. A ceremony held on August 17 by the organization’s Michigan district honored that history, and some members of Shelby Optimist Club were front and center for the accolades.
Shelby Optimist Club, formed Nov. 9, 1948, is 75 years old, making it only one of 33 Michigan clubs over 50 years old. Michigan is home to 84 Optimist International chapters in total. The oldest club has served its community for 102 years.
Just as remarkable, the club boasts two members who were members since its inception: Roy Fox, who upon his death in 2020 had served 72 years; and Bob Pochyla, who was honored at the Ann Arbor ceremony for belonging to the Shelby Optimist Club for 75 years. Additional certificates issued at the Aug. 17 ceremony also recognized other Shelby Optimist Club members with over 50 years of service to the club: Jack Cheever (54 years), Bruce Fox (54 years) and Paul Inglis (52 years).
Pochyla, who is 95 years old, lives with his wife, Veronica, in their home at the west end of the Village of Shelby. Another long-time member of Shelby Optimist Club, Jim Wyns, along with his wife Kathleen, volunteered to transport the Pochylas to Ann Arbor to accept the award at the Aug. 17 ceremony in person.
Pochyla also served as Shelby Township’s clerk for 61 years and has held several officer roles with Shelby Optimist Club. In addition to being a charter member of the Shelby club, Pochyla was recognized at age 21 as the youngest Optimist member worldwide.
Shelby Optimist Club headed into its next year with a Sept. 11 meeting at Stony Lake Inn at 7 p.m. Members anticipate continuing their 75-year history of being “friends of youth” for youth causes and organizations throughout Oceana County. Become part of it by joining the Shelby Optimist Club or by attending one of their events. The first fundraiser, a golf scramble at Oceana Golf Club, kicks off this Sunday, Sept. 22. For details about events or joining Shelby Optimist Club, visit their website at shelbyoptimist.com or follow them on Facebook.
